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To Continue vs Continuing Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To continue (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to continue" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to continue studying to improve my skills.

Continuing (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "continuing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Continuing your education is beneficial for your career.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To continue (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To continue is important for progress.

    To continue is important for progress.

    • "*To continue*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + adjective (important).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to continue working on the project.

    She wants me to continue working on the project.

    • "Me *to continue* working on the project" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to continue* working on the project).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    We need a plan to continue growing our business.

    We need a plan to continue growing our business.

    • "*To continue* growing our business" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (We) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a plan *to continue* growing our business).

Continuing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Continuing is a lifelong journey.

    Continuing is a lifelong journey.

    • "*Continuing*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a lifelong journey).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy continuing my studies in the evenings.

    I enjoy continuing my studies in the evenings.

    • "*Continuing* my studies in the evenings" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*continuing* my studies in the evenings).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a passion for continuing her artistic pursuits.

    She has a passion for continuing her artistic pursuits.

    • "For *continuing* her artistic pursuits" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *continuing* her artistic pursuits).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

They plan to continue expanding their product line.

I hope to continue learning new things.

He wants to continue playing soccer in college.

We decided to continue supporting the cause.

They agreed to continue working together on the project.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

He enjoys continuing his family's tradition.

They recommend continuing professional development.

I dislike the idea of continuing in that job.

She avoids continuing unhealthy habits.

Can you imagine yourself continuing to travel the world?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to continue challenging herself. She likes continuing challenging herself.

We started to continue the conversation. We started continuing the conversation.

He began to continue working on the project. He began continuing working on the project.

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